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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Green Lake County
Green Lake County is part of the Eastern Wisconsin, Northern Illinois, and Upper Michigan Drift Plain land resource region (MLRA 95).
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Green Lake County sees 33.9 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 45.8°F mean annual temperature.
Green Lake County carries 16,095 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 4,122 acres. 511 farms operate in the county, averaging 239 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Wisconsin |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Corn, Vegetables, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Wheat |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08
Your Local USDA Offices
Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS (conservation programs like EQIP and CSP) and FSA (loans, disaster assistance, farm numbers). Here are the offices serving Green Lake County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
W1740 North Street, Suite 100, Green Lake, WI 54941
Office info is from USDA’s published directory. Call ahead to confirm hours before visiting.
What to do when you call: Ask to schedule a meeting with a conservation planner (for EQIP/CSP) or a loan officer (for FSA programs). Mention the type of operation you run and what improvements you're considering.
Farm Structure in Green Lake County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Green Lake County at an average farm size of 239 acres, 22% small operations, 23% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 5,184 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Green Lake County
Given the operation mix in Green Lake County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage for dairies; and cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Green Lake County Operations
Based on Green Lake County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Lake water quality protection emphasizes nutrient management and buffer strips. Irrigation efficiency programs help optimize water use on sandy soils.
Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener. Two minutes, personalized action packet.
Local Conservation Priorities
Each county's NRCS Local Working Group sets the conservation practices that score highest for EQIP funding. Knowing your county's priorities before you apply can significantly improve your ranking.
How to find your county's priorities:
- Call your local NRCS office and ask: "What practices is the Local Working Group prioritizing this year?"
- Ask which EQIP ranking pool your operation fits (there may be separate pools for livestock, cropland, forestry, etc.)
- Check your state NRCS website for published ranking criteria
Nearby Counties
Operators in Green Lake County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Columbia County, Wisconsin, Dodge County, Wisconsin, Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, Marquette County, Wisconsin, Waushara County, Wisconsin, and Winnebago County, Wisconsin. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Green Lake County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Wisconsin guide: Wisconsin Farm Programs Guide
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